• Textbook: Chapter 2, 3, 4
• Lesson
• Link (library article): Games Children Play: An Exercise Illustrating Agents of
Socialization Links to an external site.
• Instructor supplied resources
• Student chosen resources (optional)
Initial Post Instructions
In the article noted in this activity, the authors point out that most introductory
sociology textbooks identify the main socialization agents as family, peers, schools,
media, work, and religion. “…[W]hat is far less often acknowledged is the contribution
that children’s toys and games play in representing and reinforcing dominant
conceptions of ‘appropriate’ social identities found in social discourse and in
institutional arrangements” (para. 1). Toys and games can allow us to experience the
subtleties of race, class, gender, and political socialization that are embedded in
play. Sometimes players may challenge and subvert these images and messages at
the delight or disgust of other players.
For the initial post, respond to one of the following options, and label the beginning of
your post indicating either Option 1 or Option 2:
• Option 1: What toys did you have as a child that you think of as agents of
socialization and how did you use the toys to understand relationships, or
prepare for new ones?
• Option 2: Go to a public space like a library, mall or park and observe family
interactions for an hour or so, taking notes of the interactions you observe.
Based on your observations, how might the parent-child interactions be
supporting the process of primary and secondary socialization? Discuss any
visual evidence of role strain or role conflict that you noticed.
Follow-Up Post Instructions
Respond to at least one peer. If possible, respond to one peer who chose an option
different than the one you chose. Further the dialogue by providing more
information and clarification. Make sure that you add additional information and not
repeat the same information already posted on the discussion board as you further
the dialogue.
Writing Requirements
• Minimum of 2 posts (1 initial & 1 follow-up)
• APA format for in-text citations and list of references
• Minimum of 1 source cited
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